Alstom supplies Europes largest computerized
interlocking machine

Ahead of the entry into service of the East European TGV, in
June 2007, and faced with the need to manage an average of 1,000
trains per day, Strasbourg station felt itself compelled to
abandon electromechanical technology and equip itself with a
modern, high-performance interlocking machine capable of handling
the increased traffic flows.

 The new Strasbourg IXL will allow for:

• increased operational flexibility: supervision of traffic
  is made easier, as is the programming and automation of certain
  commands ;
• better traffic management when standard operations are
  disrupted, for example when work is being conducted on the
  track.

 Developed as part of a contract worth around 70 million
euros, awarded to Alstom by RFF in March 2001, the Strasbourg
station forms part of a programme of signalling system renovation
covering 14 stations, of which four (Luneville-Bacarat,
Ostricourt, Melun and Metz) are already in service. Four others,
adjoining the East European high-speed line (Pagny-sur-Moselle,
Nancy, Vaires-Chelles, Reims), will come into operation over the
next few months.

Alstom is the supplier of computerized interlocking machines for
medium-sized and large French railway stations to RFF. Taking all
French stations equipped with computerized interlocking machines
into account, close on half have been supplied by Alstom. At the same time, Alstom Transports design office has
been working on a new-generation computerized interlocking
machine (NGIXL). More powerful, thanks to the use of the very
latest technology, the new systems architecture will
include a dedicated, highly available fail-safe digital computer
capable of managing traffic at very large stations.

With this new product, Alstom Transport is responding to the
needs of RFF in respect of performance, safety and compatibility
with the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System)
directive, which allow to answer to needs of interoperability
throughout the European rail network, and to RFFs
requirements in respect of cost optimisation over the
systems life cycle.

In April 2006, RFF also awarded ALSTOM a framework contract worth
50 million euros for the supply of NGIXLs for its largest
stations. The first new system will come into operation in around
2010/11.  Press contacts:Clotilde Provost
                                                                       Pauline
Rey

Tel : + 33 (0)1 41 66 91 43 
                                                   Tel
: + 33 (0)1 41 66 83 85clotilde.provost@transport.alstom.com                            

pauline.rey@transport.alstom.com